Blu-ray Synopsis: Direct from the golden age of Hong Kong martial arts cinema comes Shaolin Mantis another fast paced fight fest, from the mighty Shaw Brothers studio. When scholar Wei Fung (David Chiang) is hired by the Emperor to infiltrate a clan of rebellious Ming loyalists, his mission goes adrift when he falls in love the clan leader's granddaughter and his plans are discovered. From legendary director and star Lau Kar Leung (The Spiritual Boxer, The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin) Shaolin Mantis is another superlative entry from the never ending showcase of 70s martial arts productions. An absolute must for collectors of classic Shaw Brothers movies. (100 Mins)

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Views: Within the 35+ years I have been watching Hong Kong cinema and kung-fu movies, I had never gotten round to watching the legendary Lau Kar Leung's 5th directorial feature, Shaolin Mantis – or perhaps his 6th if you count his co-directing role on Breakout From Oppression. Thankfully, UK label 88 Films recently released this classic on Blu-ray and it's fair to say that I've watched it more than a few times already. It's an interesting film and a little different from Lau Kar Leung's more popular works, that tells the tale of young scholar Wai Fung who has been forced by the Emperor to go on a do-or-die mission in exchange for his parents life. Because of his strong martial arts skills, Wai is ordered to infiltrate a family of Ming loyalists before they can put their plans in order to overthrow the wicked Qing royal. Working his way into the Tien family home as the new teacher of Master Tien's granddaughter Gi Gi, Wai starts to put his plan in order but falls for his teenage student along the way. But as he tries to juggle love, spying, and many secrets, Wai's identity is soon revealed and has a major impact on the Tien family, his new found love, and his own family back home. Although he is perceived as the hero in his story, Wai's actions are that of a villains – forced into killing Master Tien in order to save his own parents, that results in a bloody showdown which sees Wai put his new found style of Mantis kung-fu into use before he returns to the palace!

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It seems that Lau's film has split the fans of the kung-fu community down the middle. While half complain that there just simply isn't enough fighting for a Lau Kar Leung movie, the other half love the change and effort put into the story-telling that saves the majority of its great battles for the second half. I would have to agree with the latter half, and think that Shaolin Mantis is a strong effort from the late director. The film does open with its obligatory display of kung-fu of course, before jumping right in to a couple of fights that put David Chiang's character of Wai Fung up against a Mongolian fighter and a Shaolin monk. The former is played by fan-favourite Lee Hoi Sang who had already starred in over 25 productions since the mid-70s, and really only makes a cameo here as he soon gets killed-off by the young fighter. The same can be said for the great Gordon Liu, who plays a role incredibly similar to that of his character San Tein The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin, in what was perhaps a great piece of marketing for the new star's latest film. Although he features prominently on the original Hong Kong poster, Liu's role is much like the character played by Sang but only gives fans a taster of what was to come in his famous role that was also made the same year. While David (or John) Chiang has never been the greatest on-screen fighter of Hong Kong cinema, or one of my favourite stars (respectively), I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with him here in the role of Wai Fung. Under the watchful eye of Lau Kar Leung – and without the demanding vision of Chang Cheh – Lau was able to push Chiang another step further and made the star look the best he ever has, with Chiang delivering some exciting and skilful moves during the films many fight scenes. It was around this time that David's career at the Shaw Brothers studio was coming to an end, with the actor moving into more independent productions about a year later after roles in films such as Murder Plot and Shaolin Abbot.

 

The amazing Lau Kar Wing stars as Master Tien in a powerful role that was just 1 of 5 films he would appear in that year, alongside 36th Chamber Of Shaolin, Dirty Tiger Crazy Frog, Warriors Two, and Dirty Kung Fu which he also directed and co-starred a number of actors from here. Kung-fu cinema legends Wilson Tong, John Cheung, and Norman Tsui Siu Keung play uncles of Gi Gi Tien – a group of highly skilled fighters that will do whatever it takes to protect the family home. Each of these stars had been a part of the Shaw Brothers studio for a number of years already by this stage, having been choreographed or directed by Lau Kar Leung in one way or another over the years. While Tsui Siu Keung would strictly stick with the acting for the most part (and still today), Wilson Tong and John Cheung would go on to work as choreographers, stuntmen, and even directors in their own rights over the years with Tong making his directorial debut just a year after this with Kung Fu Genius and Snake Deadly Act, and John Cheung going-on to join the Jackie Chan Stunt Team in the early 80s – along with his brother Johnny Cheung. The film also benefits from having a great female cast in the shape of the wonderful Lily Li, who stars as Gi Gi's mother. Thankfully, Li gets to show her worth as a fighter throughout the film and flawlessly displays some great spear-techniques that almost steals the show. The lovely Teresa Ha Ping co-stars as an aunt to Gi Gi, with the mischievous young lady played wonderfully by Cecilia Wong. Although she had only been on the scene for about 2 years prior to this, Wong had obviously caught the attention of the Lau brothers along the way - going on to star in this and Dirty Kung Fu in 1978, as well as joining Kar Leung the following year for a role in Spiritual Boxer 2...

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While fans can keep an eye out for stuntmen and future stars such as Peter Chan, Hsiao Ho, Wong Yu, the aforementioned Johnny Cheung and others, they can't forget about taking in the wonderful performances from the main cast, as well as the highly detailed sets on show, the gorgeous cinematography from Arthur Wong, and the epic moves on offer thanks to the choreography of director Lau Kar Leung and co-star Wilson Tong. Shaolin Mantis may not be perfect and went down a different road to offer cinema-goers something a little different, but it's certainly far from being a waste of time for any fan of kung-fu cinema. One of the highlights for me that was included on this Blu-ray release from 88 Films, was the original Hong Kong trailer. While 99% of other movie trailers just feature a well-crafted selection of clips from the film itself, Lau offers a unique take as he cuts from intricate fight-scenes to allow the cast to break the fourth wall in introducing themselves, or the style of kung fu they are using. The man himself even takes part, getting to display some amazing moves as he discusses his new film in a wonderfully edited taster of what was to come. Yet another classic from the late director, Shaolin Mantis is well worth the pennies and a highly enjoyable piece from the Shaw Brothers studio!

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Overall: An underrated classic from Lau Kar Leung, Shaolin Mantis offers some great performances from everyone involved, as well as plenty of exciting kung-fu action!

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88 Films Blu-ray Extras: Audio Commentary with Mike Leeder & Arne Venema, Audio Commentary with Frank Djeng, Complicated Families Featurette, David West on Shaolin Mantis, Interview with John Cheung, Trailers

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Watch my unboxing video for this 88 Films release HERE

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